Thirteen volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island over a 24-hour period, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Saturday, Oct. 18, as it maintained the volcano’s Alert Level 2 status due to ongoing magmatic unrest beneath the edifice.

In its 24-hour observation bulletin, Phivolcs said the volcano recorded 13 volcanic earthquakes within the monitoring period. It added that the volcano continues to emit gas and steam.

The agency noted that the sulfur dioxide flux measured on Oct. 17 averaged 2,346 tonnes per day.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs said a plume or gas emission reaching 150 meters high was observed drifting southwest.

As of the latest update, the agency said that Alert Level 2 “indicates that the volcano is at a moderate level of unrest,” with the potential for sudden phreatic or steam-driven explosions.

“Maaaring maganap ang mga sumusunod: biglaang pagputok ng steam o phreatic explosions, kauwiang pagputok ng magma (The following may occur: sudden steam or phreatic explosions, or possible magmatic eruptions),” the agency warned.

Phivolcs reiterated its prohibition against entry into the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the continuing threat of sudden hazardous eruptions.

“Ipagbabawal ang pagpasok sa apat na kilometrong (4 km) radius Permanent Danger Zone o PDZ (Entry within the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone is strictly prohibited),”  it stated.

Likewise, it advised aircraft to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit, citing the potential for sudden explosions that could eject ash and rock fragments.